Dive into Coventry’s rich tapestry of history with our unique Big Weave craft sessions.
This is your chance to explore the art of weaving while unravelling the stories woven into Coventry’s fabric. Join us for a series of hands-on sessions at St Mary’s Guildhall, where you’ll contribute to a modern masterpiece inspired by the iconic Coventry Tapestry.
Save the dates: March 25, April 5, and April 6, and let’s weave together memories of Coventry’s past into a vibrant present!
The Big Weave is a project within the St Mary’s Guildhall Community grant fund, which is funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund thanks to National Lottery players and this activity is included within the standard visitor entry price.
Join our expert volunteers of Charterhouse at Easter. Our experienced volunteer guides will take you on a tour of the building and gardens. Find out about the amazing history of this building then enjoy the different activities that will be available over the Easter period. Every Saturday there will be live music in the gardens and activities for all the family.
This ticket includes general admission to the house and gardens and an annual pass to visit Charterhouse.
Come and weave with us in the Great Hall!
Join a group of artist-makers in the creation of a vibrant new woven artwork inspired by the medieval Coventry Tapestry. No previous weaving experience needed – we will share a few simple skills and you will be weaving in no time!
All ages and abilities can take part. Don’t miss this chance to weave in your thread!
There is also expert help on hand with volunteers from The Weavers’ Workshop and Coventry Guild of Weavers, Spinners and Dyers to show you how to use weaving sticks and peg looms.
Join us On March 12th 2024 at St. Mary’s Guildhall for an uplifting evening with the combined musical forces from the University of Warwick.
Handel’s Dixit Dominus, the setting of Psalm 110, is widely considered oen of the most challenging pieces of music he wrote for choir and orchestra. Current student Nick Raptakis will also have one of his recent pieces, Virus performed, alongside music by Elgar and Finnish composer Rautavaara.
The University of Warwick Chamber Choir and Festival Orchestra are two student ensembles who pride themselves in performing challenging music to a high standard, whilst maintaining an ethos of friendliness and fun.
Directed by Music Centre conductors Tom Newall and Suzzie Vango, their wide-ranging repertoire spans sacred, secular, folk and popular music, performing everything from Byrd and Handel to Cole Porter. They have performed in a variety of locations, both in Warwickshire and further afield, with annual tour destinations including: Italy, Spain, Germany, Ireland, Belgium and France, with a performance by the Chamber Choir during their Italy tour in the Milan Duomo in 2022.
Warwick Festival Orchestra was founded by students and they have staged a number of orchestral projects, most recently a performance of Sibelius Symphony No. 2 under the direction of student conductor Han Zhao.
Join us at St Mary’s Guildhall for an afternoon of music with musical trio ‘Ypotryll’.
Ypotryll, whose name comes from medieval bestiary, a medieval book of beasts, specialise in medieval musical.
Enjoy an hour-long performance in the spectacular Great Hall, which weaves singing, conversation and performance with instruments which you can also see used by our choir of angels in the spectacular roof carvings.
Included in our normal entry price this is an hour-long event combining authentic music with an opportunity to learn more about the instruments of the time.
Discover the enchanting world of Fairy Folk and Fearless Knights this Easter at St Mary’s Guildhall. Embark on an exciting Fairy Door Trail throughout the historic Guildhall, where visitors of all ages can unravel clues and seek out hidden fairy doors.
Join the adventure of the ‘Fairy Door Trail’ daily throughout the Easter break, situated in the historic Cathedral Quarter on Bayley Lane.
Indulge your creative side with our children’s craft activities, where you can fashion delightful fairy and knight peg dolls, and unleash your artistic flair decorating knight’s shields.
For families seeking even more thrills, immerse yourselves in Knight School every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday. Our resident knight will train aspiring warriors in traditional swordplay and strategic defense against mythical beasts. Sessions at 10am, 11:30am, and 2:30pm.
Step back in time with our specially-curated Tudor living history experience days, occurring each Monday and Friday of the Easter holidays from 10am to 4pm in the Medieval Kitchen. Delve into tales of both benevolent and mischievous fairies, then try your hand at crafting an enchanting fairy plate as an offering. Plus, don’t miss the captivating butter churning demonstration.
Please join us for the unveiling of Coventry’s own AIDS Memorial Quilt at St Mary’s Guildhall, commissioned by Coventry Pride with funding from Public Health. The unveiling will be accompanied by a talk about the significance of the quilt, and a zine making workshop led by Coventry Queer Writers.
Doors will open at 17:50, for a start time of 18:00.
The Cover Up Quilts Project is a community arts and education project conceived by Birmingham based artist, HIV activist and founder of the Birmingham AIDS and HIV memorial (BAHM), Garry Jones. The project is inspired by the NAMES project AIDS memorial quilt which began in San Francisco in 1985 with the aim of celebrating the lives of those lost to AIDS related causes. It rose to become the largest community folk art project in the world. The Cover Up Quilts Project has brought together 40 organisations and community groups to commemorate individuals and organisations associated with HIV/AIDS as well as important milestones in the 40 years since the first UK HIV diagnosis. Each group was paired with a local artist to realise their vision and produce a quilt panel. As well as producing the panels, the artist workshops served as an opportunity for education and to discuss and normalise conversations around HIV/ AIDS.
You are cordially invited to join us for a special wedding showcase at the historic St Mary’s Guildhall.
Join us for reception drinks and a sample of our exquisite canapés as we embark on a tailored tour
of our idyllic wedding venue. We will show you how you can craft a bespoke experience for your
special day, discussing unique packages that will make your celebration truly unforgettable.
To schedule a personalised appointment, please email our dedicated Wedding Team at
weddings@noordinaryhospitality.com and we will arrange a time that works for you.
We look forward to sharing the magic of St Mary’s Guildhall with you.
Home Educators are invited to visit St Mary’s Guildhall to experience hands-on history-based activities and workshops. This event is themed around Tudor Medicine and Illness.
Led by a costumed facilitator, groups will spend 2 hours learning about Tudor life.
Activities included in the day:
Make a ‘Tussy Mussy’.
Find out about Tudor illness and medical theory.
Explore herbs and Tudor cures in the Medieval Kitchen.
Explore Tudor superstitions.
Tour of the Guildhall.
Plant your own herb seed to take home and grow.
What age range is this suitable for?
Although all home educating families are welcome to this specially crafted event, the main target age group is children of primary school ages (5-11).
St Mary’s Guildhall will be open to the public and private tours during this event, however there will be a reduced amount of tickets and there will not be any other school groups visiting at this time.
A limited number of sensory bags and ear defenders can be requested at Reception and a quiet resting space will be available throughout the day.
Under 4’s and one accompanying adult can attend for free but must be accompanying one full paying child ticket.
Please be aware that some activities in this workshop include touching herbs and soil.
Join us to welcome in Spring this February half term. Join in our enchanting daily ‘Power to the Flower’ family-friendly trail at St Mary’s Guildhall and embark on a delightful quest to uncover the beauty of spring flowers scattered throughout the venue.
Engage in daily children’s craft activities and immerse yourself in the world of Tudors in the medieval kitchen, helping to prepare for the upcoming Spring festivities. (Tudors are available daily during the first seven days of half term (10th to 16th Feb), from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM.)
Activities include:
Cleaning the Tudor Way: Experience Tudor spring cleaning first hand. Dive into the past and help us clean pewter with ground eggshells and dust with goose wings.
Tudor Food Traditions: Step into the midst of Lent with the Tudors and discover their unique traditions around food. As they utilize the last of their winter resources, join in the countdown to their Easter feast. Participate in candying primroses and decorating eggs as they eagerly prepare for their Easter celebrations.
Don’t miss this opportunity to connect with history and embrace the spirit of spring. See you there!
After The End Of History: Contemporary Working-Class Photography 1989 – 2024
• Friday 29 March – Monday 16 June 2024
• 10am – 4pm
• Drop in | FREE
Hayward Gallery Touring’s ‘After the End of History’ will bring together working class artists who use photography to explore the nuances of working class life in all its diversity.
The exhibition, curated by Johnny Pitts , explores the challenges, beauty and diversity of contemporary working-class life.
The collection marks 35 years since the fall of the Berlin Wall and the symbolic end of Communism, with the weakening of the Soviet Union prompting economist Francis Fukuyama’s widely debated claim that Western Liberal Democracy represented an ideal form of government.
https://www.theherbert.org/whats-on/1779/after-the-end-of-history-contemporary-working-class-photography-1989-2024
Our spooky and delicious afternoon tea is perfect for adults and children who want to celebrate Halloween in style. Our hotel’s rich history adds to the eerie atmosphere of the occasion and our actors will put on fantastically spooky show whilst you enjoy a Halloween-themed menu consisting of sweet and savoury treats.
So why not bring your friends or family to enjoy our Halloween Afternoon Tea this October? Book your table now and get ready for a spooktacular time at our historic hotel!
Our spooky and delicious afternoon tea is perfect for adults and children who want to celebrate Halloween in style. Our hotel’s rich history adds to the eerie atmosphere of the occasion and our actors will put on fantastically spooky show whilst you enjoy a Halloween-themed menu consisting of sweet and savoury treats.
So why not bring your friends or family to enjoy our Halloween Afternoon Tea this October? Book your table now and get ready for a spooktacular time at our historic hotel!
Our spooky and delicious afternoon tea is perfect for adults and children who want to celebrate Halloween in style. Our hotel’s rich history adds to the eerie atmosphere of the occasion and our actors will put on fantastically spooky show whilst you enjoy a Halloween-themed menu consisting of sweet and savoury treats.
So why not bring your friends or family to enjoy our Halloween Afternoon Tea this October? Book your table now and get ready for a spooktacular time at our historic hotel!
The Big Dippy Birthday Bash!
• Wednesday 14 February
• 10.00am – 4.00pm
• Varied with some FREE activities | More information coming soon
To celebrate Dippy, the Nation’s Favourite Dinosaurs, being at the Herbert for 1 year, we are throwing a BIG Dippy Birthday Bash.
There will be multiple activities available throughout the day to join in with, plus special guests from the world of wild learning! Fossil handling, curator talks, craft activities and exciting performances, there will be plenty to keep your whole family entertained!
Oh… and did we mention there will be cake?!
https://www.theherbert.org/whats-on/1789/the-big-dippy-birthday-bash
CASE: Coventry Art Societies Exhibition
• 2 February – 3 March
• 10am – 4pm
• Drop in | FREE
A superb and varied exhibition of artwork by members of art societies and art groups in Coventry and Warwickshire, to include paintings, sculpture, ceramics and much more.
Most work is for sale.
https://www.theherbert.org/whats-on/1778/case-coventry-art-societies-exhibition
Coventry Tapestry Tour at St Mary’s Guildhall.
Join us for a glass of warming mulled cider in our stunning medieval Kitchen followed by a specialist guided talk about the Coventry Tapestry which is located with St Mary’s Guildhall’s Great Hall.
Believed to the be the oldest tapestry still in situ for where it was made in the UK. Our knowledgeable guides will lead you through an exploration of the 500-year-old masterpiece, shedding light on its historical significance and the compelling stories woven into its fabric. Gain a deeper understanding of the key figures depicted in the tapestry and their rich narratives, as you embark on a journey through time within the walls of St Mary’s Guildhall.
Tickets available at 11.00/12.00/2.00/3.00. Advance booking strongly recommended due to capacity. The Tapestry Tour is expected to take around 45 minutes with additional time to explore the building after.
Non alcoholic mulled cider substitute also available. Mulled cider is for visitors 18+ only.
This is a relaxed session where the experience is slightly reformed to reduce the numbers of guests and minimise loud unexpected noises.
Making noises during the performance will not be discouraged and we have an available chill-out space for anyone who may become overwhelmed.
This relaxed experience is designed to benefit patrons on the autistic spectrum, make involuntary noises, or anyone looking for a more relaxed atmosphere.
Bring the family to celebrate Christmas at St Mary’s Guildhall and enjoy storytelling, gingerbread decorating and seasonal family fun with Father Christmas.
Join Father Christmas for a seasonal sensory story in the great hall, gingerbread decorating in the medieval kitchen, plus enjoy exploring the specular historical rooms along with a range of children’s crafts at the beautifully festively decorated venue.
*Please note this is a group experience which will be shared with other families at the event. Each child will have the opportunity for a short meeting with Father Christmas and they will receive a small chocolate selection box gift.
Bring the family to celebrate Christmas at St Mary’s Guildhall and enjoy storytelling, gingerbread decorating and seasonal family fun with Father Christmas and his helpers on Saturdays in December.
Join Father Christmas for a seasonal story in the great hall, gingerbread decorating in the medieval kitchen, plus enjoy exploring the specular historical rooms along with a range of children’s crafts at the beautifully festively decorated venue.
Please note that the 10:30am timeslot on the 2nd of December is a relaxed timeslot designed to benefit patrons on the autistic spectrum, make involuntary noises, or anyone looking for a more relaxed atmosphere.